How to Become a Dentist in South Dakota: Your Complete Guide
South Dakota — the Mount Rushmore State — is a place of dramatic landscapes, tight-knit communities, and a frontier spirit that runs deep. It is also a state with a genuine and persistent need for dental professionals, particularly across its vast rural stretches and on the tribal lands that make up a significant portion of its geography. South Dakota has no dental school of its own, but that has never prevented the state from welcoming skilled and committed dentists — and the incentives it offers to attract them are among the most substantial in the country. If you are drawn to the idea of practicing dentistry where your presence truly matters, South Dakota deserves serious consideration. Here’s your complete guide to getting there.
Step-by-Step Path to Licensure
1. Complete Your Undergraduate Education Begin with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. While dental schools accept applicants from any major, the most successful candidates typically choose science-related fields — biology, chemistry, biochemistry, health sciences, or a dedicated pre-dental program. Regardless of your major, you will need to complete a standard set of prerequisite courses that most accredited dental schools require. These typically include general biology with lab, general chemistry with lab, organic chemistry with lab, physics with lab, biochemistry, mathematics or statistics, and English composition. A science GPA of 3.5 or higher is generally expected by competitive programs, so approach these courses with full commitment from the outset.
2. Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) The DAT is administered by the American Dental Association (ADA) and is required for admission to all accredited dental schools. It covers biological and physical sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. Most competitive applicants aim for a score of 19 or higher, and the exam is recommended to be taken by the junior year of undergraduate study. It is offered year-round at Prometric testing centers, and most students dedicate six months to a year of structured preparation before sitting for it.
3. Apply to and Complete Dental School Since South Dakota has no in-state dental school, you will need to attend an accredited Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program in another state. Apply through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). Both degree types are clinically equivalent. Dental school is a four-year program: the first two years focus on biomedical sciences and preclinical laboratory work, while the final two years center on direct patient care and the development of clinical competency across all disciplines of general dentistry.
4. Pass the National Board Examination All dental graduates must pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) before entering practice. This comprehensive written exam evaluates knowledge across the full breadth of dental disciplines and replaced the older two-part NBDE structure. Most students complete the INBDE during the final year of dental school.
5. Pass a Clinical Examination South Dakota requires candidates to pass a clinical examination accepted by the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry. Currently accepted providers include the ADEX (American Board of Dental Examiners), the CDCA (Commission on Dental Competency Assessments), and the CRDTS (Central Regional Dental Testing Service). These exams assess hands-on clinical competency in real patient care scenarios. Confirm which exams are currently approved by the Board at the time you apply, as accepted providers can change.
6. Apply for Licensure with the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry Once your exams are complete, submit your application to the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry with all required documentation. This includes official transcripts, examination scores, a criminal background check, proof of liability insurance, proof of current CPR or BLS certification, applicable fees, and completion of the South Dakota dental jurisprudence examination. Review the Board’s requirements carefully and ensure your application is thorough and complete before submitting to avoid unnecessary delays in processing.
7. Maintain Your License Through Continuing Education South Dakota requires licensed dentists to complete 100 hours of continuing education (CE) every five years to maintain active licensure. Required CE must include CPR certification, infection control, South Dakota dental law review, and clinical practice updates. Additional CE hours can be fulfilled through accredited dental associations, university-sponsored programs, professional conferences, and approved online platforms.
Dental Schools to Consider
South Dakota has no in-state dental school, but several programs in neighboring and regional states are well-suited for South Dakota residents and regularly produce graduates who return to practice in the state.
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry — Minneapolis, MN One of the most established dental programs in the Midwest, the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry has a long history of training dentists who go on to serve communities across the upper plains. It offers both DDS training and a full range of specialty programs, and its regional orientation makes it a natural fit for students from the Dakotas.
Creighton University School of Dentistry — Omaha, NE Creighton’s dental school is a respected Jesuit institution with a strong emphasis on service and community-oriented care — values that translate well into South Dakota’s practice environment. It offers a DMD degree and has produced many dentists who go on to practice in rural and underserved settings across the region.
University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry — Lincoln, NE UNMC’s College of Dentistry is a well-regarded program with strong clinical training and a track record of preparing graduates for a range of practice settings, including rural communities across the Great Plains.
University of Iowa College of Dentistry — Iowa City, IA One of the premier dental schools in the country, the University of Iowa College of Dentistry is known for its research culture, comprehensive specialty programs, and rigorous clinical training. It is a strong choice for South Dakota students seeking a highly regarded Midwestern program.
Additional Considerations
Rural Healthcare Facility Recruitment Assistance Program South Dakota operates a Rural Healthcare Facility Recruitment Assistance Program that provides direct financial assistance to dentists who commit to practicing in eligible rural communities. The program typically requires a three-year service commitment and is designed to attract dental professionals to areas where access to care is most limited. For dentists open to rural practice, this program can provide meaningful financial support right from the start of their careers.
Delta Dental of South Dakota Loan Repayment Program In addition to state-administered programs, Delta Dental of South Dakota offers a loan repayment program for dentists who practice in designated shortage areas. With dental school debt often exceeding $300,000, having a structured repayment pathway tied to community service can be a genuinely transformative financial advantage for new graduates.
National Health Service Corps The federal National Health Service Corps (NHSC) offers both scholarship and loan repayment programs for dentists practicing in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). South Dakota has numerous qualifying sites, making NHSC support a realistic and valuable option for dentists planning to practice in the state.
Indian Health Service South Dakota is home to nine federally recognized tribal nations, and the Indian Health Service (IHS) operates dental facilities serving tribal communities across the state. For dentists motivated by service to Indigenous communities, IHS positions offer a uniquely meaningful career path — with federal employment benefits, loan repayment eligibility, and the opportunity to make a profound impact on communities with significant oral health disparities.
Community Health Centers Beyond IHS facilities, South Dakota has a network of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) that provide dental services to underserved populations in both rural and urban settings. These positions offer stable employment, mission-driven work, and access to federal loan repayment programs — making them an attractive option for new graduates aligned with a public health orientation.
Residency Programs A residency is not required for general dentistry licensure in South Dakota, but completing a General Practice Residency (GPR) or Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program is a valuable investment for many new graduates. These programs develop advanced clinical skills and are particularly beneficial for dentists planning to work in community health, hospital, or rural settings where clinical versatility is essential.
Specialization If a dental specialty interests you — orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, or another recognized field — plan for two to three additional years of post-doctoral specialty training beyond dental school. These programs are competitive, and board certification in your specialty is increasingly expected by employers and patients alike.
Practice Settings and Lifestyle South Dakota’s practice landscape is genuinely varied. Sioux Falls and Rapid City offer urban and suburban practice environments with growing patient bases, competitive incomes, and access to professional networks. Smaller communities and rural areas offer something different — reduced overhead, lower cost of living, and the kind of deep community integration that is increasingly rare in modern dental practice. South Dakota consistently ranks among the most affordable states in the country, and its quality of life — anchored by natural beauty, safe communities, and a strong sense of place — is a legitimate draw for dentists thinking beyond their income statement.
Professional Community Joining the South Dakota Dental Association (SDDA) is one of the most important steps you can take as you build your career in the state. The SDDA provides continuing education, professional advocacy, peer networking, and mentorship opportunities that are especially valuable for dentists who trained out of state and are establishing themselves in a new professional community. Attending state dental conferences and participating in local study clubs are equally effective ways to build the relationships that sustain a long-term career.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a dentist in South Dakota requires training outside the state and a willingness to build your career in a place that is often overlooked in the national conversation about dental practice. But for the right dentist — one who values community, purpose, and the satisfaction of providing care where it is genuinely needed — South Dakota offers something that busier, more competitive markets simply cannot.
The financial incentives are real. The professional need is real. And the quality of life that comes with practicing in one of America’s most distinctive states is real too. With careful planning, strong preparation, and a clear sense of where you want your career to take you, South Dakota is not just a place you can practice dentistry. It is a place where your practice can truly matter.